 First Impression: Flying Ginny VII
Date toured: November 2008
The 55-foot sailing catamaran Flying Ginny VII, which launched in 1992, originally had the same owner as the owner of The Moorings bareboat charter company. The yacht has thus been in charter her entire life. She’s had her current owner since about 1996, and Capt. Tom Clarke has been aboard since the autumn of 2007—about one year to the day before I stepped onboard.
He and chef Gemma Nicholls, both British natives who previously worked for The Moorings, performed 16 charters together in their first year aboard Flying Ginny VII. When I met them, they had eight more lined up for the following season, including a couple of repeats. That tells me that clients as well as top charter brokers like the charter program they have put together, a good sign of a good boat and crew.
“There’s something about our personalities that make people relax,” Clarke told me. “You can see it in their faces, and by the end of the week, they’re treating us like friends instead of crew.”
Nicholls, he says, is an “adventurous cook” who tries at least one or two new recipes during each charter. She likes to bake, but her real skill is in hors d’oeuvres, he adds. She cooks lots of fresh fish and makes sushi in addition to lobster, shrimp, steak, pork, chicken, and salads. “Some of her desserts are pretty special,” Clarke says. “The one I like is her lime pie. It’s better than regular key lime pie.”
Flying Ginny II takes eight guests in four cabins, each with their own bathroom. Three of the cabins have double-size beds, while the fourth cabin has upper/lower bunk-style berths that are ideal for children.
The weekly base rate for eight guests is $17,900 and includes food, fuel, and ship’s bar. CharterPortBVI is the management company, and any reputable charter broker can help you book a week onboard.—Kim Kavin
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Shannon Webster is a longtime AYCA member. She books yachts worldwide from 80 to 400 feet long. Email Shannon
DJ Parker has been a leader in the charter industry since 1980. She is currently president of the American Yacht Charter Association. E-mail DJ
Trina Howes has 10 years of experience in the charter industry finding great pleasure in creating the best yachting vacations possible. E-mail Trina
Nicole Caulfield is licensed, bonded, and a longtime member of FYBA and AYCA. She brings a unique perspective as a broker, having worked aboard yachts for nearly 10 years. Email Nicole
Sharon Bahmer is an expert at booking charters in the Americas, from Alaska to Brazil. She's also a member of FYBA and CYBA. E-mail Sharon
Beverly Parsons has been chartering since 1969. She is a licensed, bonded broker and a founding member of the professional groups AYCA and CYBA International. Contact Beverly.
